Developer Accessory Golf, Creation Center Tokyo - Development

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

We’ll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product development teams create every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every single product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.

As Developer Accessories & Gear, you will drive the end-to-end development process for assigned low to medium complexity products from concept brief to production readiness and assist in making the development of medium to high complexity products. You will work in strong partnership with product marketing, design, planning and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take accountability for the entire A&G development management process for assigned products, with an emphasis on product integrity, product engineering and timely completion of all tasks in accordance with the corporate operating calendar. Apply sport-specific understanding to enhance product performance.
• Manage fit approval and size specification process, lead fit and review meetings and take decisions on workmanship and construction.
• Assist in providing technical solutions by analyzing designs for manufacturability, production and material properties which address desired function and market appeal.
• Manage handover of design pack to T1 to ensure that all technical information provided to T1 is complete.
• With guidance from an experienced team member act as technical expert and guide/consult design and product marketing on T1 manufacturing efficiency suggestions. Manage comments to T1.
• Maintanance of correct materials data in Creation Portal / Material Lifecycle Management MLM technical data, cost, toolbox, lifecycle.
• Research innovation from market or suppliers regarding product construction, pattern, fit, embellishment and trims.
• Review, validate and approve T1 costing information to ensure products are engineered in accordance with cost targets throughout the entire creation process. Secure initial freight on board (FOB) cost quotes and follow-up price adjustments. Negotiate final costs with T1 as needed.
• Ensure that all fabrics, trims, colors, processes and development samples are fully tested to ensure adherence to adidas’ quality and testing standards.
• Manage quality and process escalations with senior manager as needed.
• If required, review size sets for accuracy of measurements and merchantability of complete size range for fit.
• Review and sign off sealing sample with complete article description including all related documents prior to buy ready dates.
• Ensure full conformity to published policies to ensure a final legal article description for final product.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness and timeliness of data by continuously updating the system.
• Responsible for achieving specific KPIs (e.g. freight on board (FOB), sustainability, and on-time Sales & Marketing Sample (SMS) delivery) for assigned articles/product.

Key Relationships:

• Product Design
• Product Marketing
• Product Operations (Product Development, Materials Development, Pattern Making, Testing & Quality, Costing, Planning)
• Sourcing
• Tier 1 supplier

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of material construction and related testing
• Basic knowledge of wear and physical product testing 
• Basic knowledge of product construction and manufacturing
• Ability to fit a garment and comment to Tier 1 on changes required
• Basic knowledge of costing and ability to negotiate as required
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• English language proficiency required (reading and writing)
• Strong IT skills (MS Office) and ability to work with Product Data Management Systems
• Domestic and International Travel as required
• First project management skills as an advantage

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in clothing technology or manufacturing, or technical degree as apparel technician.
• Alternatively, combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• First practical experience through internships or work experience required.